Now that I have basil - I'm trying new recipes to use the basil. I love the idea and the practicality of having basil on my patio.

I made a meal with 3 different dishes that took basil a few weeks ago.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/bruschetta_with_tomato_and_basil/

Homemade Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
http://allrecipes.com//HowTo/homemade-tomato-sauce/Detail.aspx

The sauce didn't make enough - Al always likes to have leftovers of anything with pasta and there was only a couple of spoonfuls left, and that was because Bret didn't eat with us that night.

Alex making Linguine in Fresh Tomato Sauce with Garlic Basil Toast

Linguine in Fresh Tomato Sauce with Garlic-Basil Toast

Ingredients

• 10 oz. dried linguini
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced or 1 Tbsp. bottled minced garlic
• 2 English muffins, split
• 3/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 pint small tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 cup halved, pitted kalamata olives (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese; fresh basil (optional)

Directions

1. Heat broiler. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, set aside.

2. Meanwhile, in bowl combine 1 tablespoon of the oil and about one-third of the minced garlic; brush on cut sides of muffins. Place muffins on baking sheet. Broil, 3 to 4 inches from broiler, for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the chopped basil; set aside.

3. In large saucepan heat remaining oil over medium-high. Add remaining garlic, basil, and the tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes; add broth and sugar. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, until tomatoes soften. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in pasta and olives; heat through. Sprinkle cheese and basil.

4. Serve toasted muffins with pasta. Top with Parmesan and basil. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories 450,
• Total Fat (g) 12,
• Saturated Fat (g) 2,
• Monounsaturated Fat (g) 8,
• Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 2,
• Cholesterol (mg) 1,
• Sodium (mg) 403,
• Carbohydrate (g) 72,
• Total Sugar (g) 7,
• Fiber (g) 3,
• Protein (g) 12,
• Vitamin C (DV%) 24,
• Calcium (DV%) 5,
• Iron (DV%) 20,
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Aunt Shela's White Corn Salsa

This recipe is best eaten with Tostitos Lime Chips.

2 cans Shoepeg White Corn
1 medium bell pepper chopped
5 green onions chopped
1 small can chopped black olives
7-8 roma tomatoes chopped
1 bottle Zesty Italian dressing
1 4oz can green chilis
1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
Juice from one lime
Garlic Salt and Pepper to taste


Combine all ingredients and serve.

(lots of GREEN ingredients in this) but with the tomatoes and the corn - it is really pretty.